Punch, Poke, Flick, Roll: The Pickleball Volleys That Hit Back

If you’re serious about stopping opponents from marching to the kitchen line, you need more than just hustle—you need the right kind of aggression. In pickleball, not all volleys are created equal. There are four distinct shots—the roll, the flick, the poke, and the punch—that each serve a different tactical purpose depending on your opponent’s position. Learning when and how to use each one is the difference between a passive redirect and a point-ending play.

The roll is your topspin weapon, ideal when opponents are lingering at the baseline. It applies pressure and forces errors with bounce-heavy depth. The flick uses wrist deception and is perfect when reaching or disguising pace. The poke is more surgical—used to catch an opponent mid-transition, jabbing at their feet to stall their progress. Lastly, the punch is your defense against power, using a firm wrist and tight grip to redirect drives without overswinging. Each shot has a role, and knowing which to call up is critical.

Your targeting shifts as well: when players are back, aim at their feet or sides with rolls and punches. As they close in, transition to flicks or pokes to jam them up mid-step. Once they’re fully at the kitchen, it’s time to go shoulder, hip, or down the line—speed-up territory. Mastering these volleys isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about reading the court and hitting the shot that keeps the advantage firmly on your paddle.